Every once in a while, you read a book that changes you. Forgotten God: Reversing our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit is one of those books for me. I read it years ago and again recently, having been asked lately by people on separate occasions, “Have you read Forgotten God?”

Chan’s basic premise is that, as Christians, we pay little attention to the Holy Spirit. We pray to God the Father and have a personal relationship with Jesus. We claim to believe that the Holy Spirit lives in us. But, Chan concludes, we pay little attention to that fact. We focus on the other two persons in the Trinity and avoid the issue that the Holy Spirit is there, right now, and always in us and ready to guide, direct, comfort and encourage us.

What I personally gained most from Chan’s book was that this reminder of the Spirit’s presence caused a desire to allow the Spirit to work in and through me. I wanted a relationship not just with Father God and my Savior Jesus.

Chan’s reminder that Jesus left the Holy Spirit’s presence as a gift for me (and you), instilled a deeper desire to have communion with my closest spiritual partner in life—the Holy Spirit.

What changed for me in a practical way? I began to be more open to the Spirit’s leading. I began to allow the Spirit to pray through me for people and circumstances I would not have thought to pray for on my own. I began to pray not only to Father God and my Jesus, but also to pray to the Spirit, thus opening my heart to the whole presence of God.

My journey of faith began to move forward. My sense of the power of the Spirit has grown—not because I somehow have “more” of the Spirit, but because I could more clearly sense His presence and leading. And then follow Him

I recommend Forgotten God to anyone who professes belief in the Trinity and seeks to allow the Holy Spirit to have more power in their lives. I pray the book will change and empower you.

Carol Peterson, Author My mission as a writer is to educate, entertain and inspire–children, their teachers and parents, other writers, and readers of all genres. As a children’s writer I try to “Make Learning Fun” by helping busy teachers address curriculum accountability standards, and encouraging other writers to do the same. You can connect with Carol at her blog, Carol Peterson, Author Carol is a member of the Ruby Book Review Team.

Check out Carol’s Book Club in each issue of RUBY magazine for her latest book reviews!